The Importance of Workspace Design For Mental Health
With mental health awareness gaining ground, many employers are actively working to improve their employees’ mental health. One way to do so is through workspace design. Office spaces have a direct connection to employee mental health. To ensure workers are happy, healthy, and productive, designing a space that they’re excited to work in is critical. But what can businesses do to ensure a workspace improves mental health and wellness?
Interior Fusion and Workspace Design
Before we delve into the best workspace design practices, we first want to go into the design process. When it comes to planning a space, Interior Fusion first discusses with our clients what their overall needs are. Each space is different, so we design on a room-by-room basis, determining what the room’s specific needs are. A conference room and an individual office have different needs, so it’s important to know before the next steps.
“An office’s design has a great impact on employees’ mental health,” said Chelsea Swanson, General Manager and Interior Designer at our Melbourne location. “People will spend most of their days there, so if they are not comfortable, they’re less productive.”
Being comfortable helps with stress as well, so when it comes to furniture selection, we keep that in mind. Interior Fusion chooses furniture and furnishings that meet the client’s needs, while also encouraging employees to want to spend time at the office. Keeping people happy and healthy is the main goal of any installation.
How to Optimize Workspace Design
A person’s workspace plays an important role in their mental health. To ensure employee mental well-being is considered, Interior Fusion spoke with Paul McRae, an experienced mental health counselor in Jacksonville, to get an insight on what works best.
Ergonomics
“A workspace designed with ergonomics in mind can prevent physical discomfort and long-term injuries,” said McRae. Uncomfortable chairs or poorly positioned monitors can cause physical strain. Over some time, this can worsen and in turn, also affect mental health. Employees spend most of their days in an office space. Prevent burnout and poor mental health by offering a multitude of ergonomic furniture or workspaces. This will not only make workers happier, but more productive as well.
Natural Lighting
When designing a space, be sure to “include lots of windows,” said McRae. Having access to natural light has been known to improve productivity and decrease the risk of depression. It is also associated with improved mood and better sleep. Interior Fusion recommends having glass walls or using full-spectrum natural lighting. Another option is to use a light color palette. This creates the illusion of more natural light.
Color Palette
“The colors in a workspace can influence mood,” according to McRae. “For instance, blues and greens are calming, while yellows can be energizing.” When deciding on a color palette for your workspace, take color psychology into account. Consider what you want to invoke and how you want your employees to feel when they walk in. Each color creates a different mood, so choose one that will better your workers.
Greenery
We talked about natural lighting, but another way to bring nature to the workspace is through greenery. We’re talking plants, flowers, even succulents. Acting as a calming presence, “introducing plants to the workspace can improve air quality, reduce stress, and increase productivity,” said McRae. They can also help connect employees to nature, all while improving the overall air quality.
Accessibility
One of the most important ways to improve employee mental health is to make the office accessible. Not only does it promote inclusivity, McRae said, but it also “reduces feelings of isolation and inadequacy.” Making a workspace accessible to all, including those with disabilities, will go a long way towards equality and happy workers. Interior Fusion will happily work with you to transform your workspace into one everyone can enjoy.
“People want to be valued,” said McRae. “If employers look after their employees, they’ll care about the work they do.” Designing a workspace that they can enjoy and like working in is huge. By valuing employees and creating a welcoming environment, you can have productive, happy, and healthy workers. If you’re looking to redesign your space to be more mental health-friendly, don’t hesitate to contact Interior Fusion. We’ll work with you to meet everyone’s needs.
